1. “A Unique Opportunity”
Town of Cary Agricultural Park &
The Western Wake Farmers Market
2010©

2. Agenda Introducing the Western Wake Farmers Market
Co-Location with the Planned Agricultural Park
Building for a Sustainable Future  Growth Potential and Next Steps

3. Western Wake Farmers Market A 501(c)3 Corporation
Growers Only Market Average 550 visitors every Saturday 34 vendors and growing

4. Western Wake Farmers Market
Agricultural Park Location
WWFM Location
(Carpenter Village Mktplace)

5. Our Goal: Local Food & Education
Our mission is for all people in our community to become educated about and benefit from locally grown food. Our aim is to help all walks of life, from the farmers to the local community members to those less fortunate who might need assistance through the local food bank.
Non-profit with a commitment to the community and a grass roots start
High quality local vendors
Weekly Educators & Entertainment
Newsletter reach out to 1800 people

6. Dollars stay in our community!
WWFM Economics
Vendor Revenue per Saturday: $20,000
Average per visitor: $30-$40
Annual average: $700,000
Jobs created:
1 for WWFM
8 vendors hire part time support
And lots of volunteers!
Dollars stay in our community!

7. WWFM Program Jewels
Farmer Food Share Program  Close to 4000 lbs of fresh food collected in 2010
EBT/DEBIT Credit Program  Approaching $10000 in spend (started June 26, 2010)
Special Events:
Opening Day: people
Craft Fair: people

8. WWFM partners

9. Agenda Introducing the Western Wake Farmers Market
Co-Location with the Planned Agricultural Park
Building for a Sustainable Future  Growth Potential and Next Steps

10. Cary’s Gateway to Health & Heritage
Agricultural Park
WWFM
Perfectly located in the center of recreation and land preservation
Central to planned confluence of greenways
Instant Attraction  WWFM customers will follow to co-location

11. Synergies that Expand Goals of the Master Plan
Fits & expands TOC Fit Community designation
Environmental stewardship
Unique amenity for Cary
Educates the community
Decidedly local & sustainable
Built-in audience
40% of WWFM shoppers come with the whole family

12. Imagine … Community Garden
Great synergy with the farmers market
Tie into local schools
Community members could sponsor a plot
Tie in with Farm to School program
Sponsor a garden plot

13. One special educator appearance per week at the WWFM
Imagine … Education
Composting Center
CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) drop site
Green events to promote sustainability
Track out camps with a food/farm focus
“Little Farmers” program (camp or weekend)
One special educator appearance per week at the WWFM

14. Imagine … Special Events
Farm to Fork Event
Taste of Cary location
Health or Holiday Fair
Tomatopalooza
Farm DAZE
Music Festival & Community Pig Pickin
Start/end point for local 5K and fun runs
1200 people at the WWFM Craft Fair

15. Imagine … Kids & Seniors
Take away: seeds, plantings to encourage home gardening
Birthday parties & Field Trips
Kids fit races
Scavenger hunts
Kids yoga
Caretaking of the community garden
Seniors are seeking out local food and healthy living
Learn & teach seasonal cooking
Learn & teach how to grow their own food
Garden Club meet-up
Tai Chi or yoga for seniors

16. Agenda Introducing the Western Wake Farmers Market
Co-Location with the Planned Agricultural Park
Building for a Sustainable Future  Growth Potential and Next Steps

17. WWFM Growth Potential
Operate a year round farmers’ market on Saturday mornings
Operate a seasonal weekday afternoon market
Maximum capacity of 100 vendors (current vendors 34)
Weekly educators to bring knowledge about food and environment to our customers

18. WWFM requirements Long-term lease for farmers’ market days
Locked Storage
Signage
Restroom facilities (public)
Electricity
Running water
Space for a maximum of 100 vendors in a 10x10 space
Adequate parking
Public Transportation

19. WWFM proposal
WWFM in partnership with Cherry Huffman Architects will design and build an outdoor structure for the farmers’ market
Town of Cary to provide a long-term lease of the land (through a grant to a non-profit)
WWFM will apply for grants and raise money for building costs
Town of Cary to build park restroom facilities & facilitate sustainable parking lot

20. Next Steps
Next steps for Town of Cary
Next steps for WWFM

21. Questions Contact us at: Juliann Zoetmulder President WWFM

22. “A Unique Opportunity”
Presentation for the Town of Cary
2010©
“A Unique Opportunity”